Chapter 94 of 134
XXXVI. AFFLICTIONS SANCTIFIED BY THE WORD.
The Works of William Cowper: His life, letters, and poems, now first completed by the introduction of Cowper's private correspondence · William Cowper
XXXVI. AFFLICTIONS SANCTIFIED BY THE WORD.
O How I love thy holy word, Thy gracious covenant, O Lord! It guides me in the peaceful way; I think upon it all the day.
What are the mines of shining wealth, The strength of youth, the bloom of health! What are all joys compared with those Thine everlasting word bestows!
Long unafflicted, undismay'd, In pleasure's path secure I stray'd; Thou madest me feel thy chastening rod,[896] And straight I turn'd unto my God.
What though it pierced my fainting heart, I bless thine hand that caused the smart; It taught my tears awhile to flow, But saved me from eternal woe.
Oh! hadst thou left me unchastised, Thy precept I had still despised; And still the snare in secret laid, Had my unwary feet betray'd.
I love thee, therefore, O my God, And breathe towards thy dear abode; Where, in thy presence fully blest, Thy chosen saints for ever rest.
[896] Psalm cxix. 71.